Possibly contaminated dog food found in off-leash area of High Park

Toronto police issued a public safety alert after a possible “hazardous substance” was found in an off-leash area for dogs in High Park.

Police say they responded to a call at the park on Tuesday and found what appeared to be dog food mixed with patches of blue-coloured snow along the fence line of the off-leash area.

Most of the contaminated substance appeared to be contained inside the forest regeneration zone, which is fenced off and separate from the off-leash area, however, some of it was found within the off-leash area.

Police have sent samples of the items to Health Canada for testing, as a precaution.

So far, there have been no reports of sick pets or animals in the vicinity.

Staff with Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation have since cleaned up the area.

“The City is aware that there was dog kibble covered in a blue substance found in High Park near the Off Leash Area yesterday. Staff have removed and discarded the kibble,” city officials said in a statement.

“Toronto Animal Services reminds residents to monitor pets closely and to keep them leashed when on walks to help prevent them from eating any substance they might encounter on the ground.”